Activity Inverness, Scotland

The Pictish Trail

8–9 hours Free cancellation Private tour

The Pictish Queen at Tarbat Discovery Centre — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Hilton of Cadboll Stone — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

We’ll explore the impact of the Picts on this majestic landscape. Known as ‘Picti’ by the Romans, meaning ‘Painted Ones’ in Latin, these northern tribes constituted the largest kingdom in Dark Age Scotland.

13th century Fortrose Cathedral with a brief stop at Chanonry Point to see if we can spot any dolphins.

Then on to Groam House Museum to learn about their collection of carved Pictish stones from the 8th century AD.

On to Cromarty. An enchanting wee town, perfect for a brief wander and a coffee before boarding the ferry and off to explore the Pictish sites and stones at Nigg, Shandwick and Hilton of Cadboll. Look at for random mermaids!! There’s a great lunch opportunity here before continuing on our journey to meet a Pictish Queen at The Tarbat Discovery Centre, Portmahomack, the epi-centre of the 8th century Pictish monastic estate.

We can take a quick diversion out to see Tarbat Ness lighthouse before taking in our final Pictish stone of the day, the Edderton Cross Slab.

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At a glance

Duration: 8–9 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–7
Guide: English
Operated by: Grant Driving Tours; Scotland

What is included

Included

Included: Private transportation
Included: Bottled water
Included: Cromarty - Nigg ferry fare

Not included

Not included: Lunch
Not included: Tea and coffee: Coffee and/or Tea
Not included: Groam House Museum; Free of charge, but a donation is requested
Not included: Tarbat Discovery Centre; Adults - £5; Concessions (16-17 years and 65+) – £4.00; under 16 Free

Itinerary

Chanonry Point

10 min

Great views over the Moray Firth; look out for dolphins, especially at low tide
Fortrose Cathedral

10 min

Fortrose Cathedral stands in a green square at the heart of Fortrose, edged by mature trees. Tradition holds that the diocese of Ross has existed since about AD 700.

The oldest part of the present ruins at Fortrose date from the 1300s.
Groam House Museum

45 min

See and learn about their collection of carved Pictish stones from the 8th century AD.
Cromarty

30 min

An enchanting wee town, perfect for a brief wander and a coffee.
Nigg Old Church

30 min

Once across the ferry from Cromarty....

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Ramnee Hotel
The Inch Hotel
Beinn Mhor Lodge
The Lovat
The King’s Highway
Cluny Bank
Rosslyn Villa
Tigh na Sgiath Country House Hotel
Glenmoriston Arms Hotel
Culdearn House
Grant Arms Hotel
The Ben Mhor

and 109 more pickup points

Your driver/guide will carry a board displaying the lead traveler's name

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Travel and transportation through our beautiful scenery is included in the total time duration of this tour
This tour IS available as a Shore Excursion for Cruise Ship Passengers at Invergordon Cruise Ship Port